Sven Hunhammar, Naturskyddsföreningen:
“The big challenge is how to govern. Technology is very helpful but certainly
not enough.”

“We need to use the grassroot mobilization to push for change.
I don’t think the business sector is doing enough. And governments need to
provide a better market to stop the bad solutions and alleviate for good
solutions.”

“We can’t wait for others to act. Sweden has to act, and the European Union
has to act. “

Maria Sunér Fleming, Svenskt näringsliv:
“There are different circumstances for different business sectors in addressing
these questions. For some it is really easy and they can be climate efficient,
whereas for others it is very difficult. What we need is for businesses and
governments to talk to each other. Policies and regulations are tricky. A carbon
tax for instance hits different industries very differently, and is perhaps not
the best way to go about it. “

“We [Swedish companies] can be front runners by having competitive products
that are climate efficient. This is a different perspective on what it means to
be a front runner.”

“We need to have an economy that works, where Europe can be more
competitive in the market, and that would help the businesses to contribute
more instead of moving. Energy prices in Europe make it difficult for some
major industries to stay in Europe”

Kristina Persson, Global Utmaning:
“Investments have been very low for a long time. There is a big shortage in
building sustainable infrastructure in the world. This needs governance and
decisive actions. There is no global governance, so we need national and local
governments to take action. In Sweden we have low debt, and high unemployment.
We should invest in infrastructure. Governments. We need changes on the tax
systems for the climate and for the jobs.”

“Some business leaders and some political leaders are doing good, but
definitely not a majority.”

“Energy efficiency is a good solution to help businesses stay profitable in
making more sustainable products. There is an initial cost in building more
energy efficient structures, but it will pay off in the long run.”

Ed Groark, Worldwatch institute:
“There are many examples of businesses that have reduced their waste, and
carbon footprint, and the consumers have embraced the change and they continue
to be profitable.”

Social movements take a long time, and they are organic, which means that
they are changing as they go. There are leaders both in businesses and
governments that are being active in promoting good change. And they are
increasing in time. This is a force that is gaining strength and momentum.
Perhaps it is not going fast enough. “

“There is so much that governments can do. For instance in the US they
lease out the land that the oil and energy companies are using. They could just
stop! “

”There isn’t room on the bookshelf for another doomsday book. I think
people are looking forward to solutions oriented information.”